Norrsken Evolve is reinforcing its commitment to the European startup ecosystem by establishing a permanent presence in Amsterdam, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s regional expansion.
The pre-seed venture capital investor, which focuses on startups addressing climate, health and resilience challenges, will operate from Norrsken House Amsterdam when the innovation hub officially opens on September 1, 2026.
Amsterdam Becomes the Fund’s Second Operating Hub
The Amsterdam office will be located at the Van Gendt Hallen complex on Oostenburg, becoming Norrsken Evolve’s second operational base after Stockholm.
The move follows the successful close of the firm’s €62 million fund and reflects its intention to strengthen relationships with founders and investors across the Netherlands and the wider European market.
Leading the Dutch operation are General Partner Alex Bakir, who has lived in the Netherlands since 2019, and investor Sjoerd Stevens, an Amsterdam native with more than a decade of professional equity trading experience.
Their appointment gives Norrsken Evolve its first dedicated team based in the Netherlands.
Dutch Startup Investments Continue to Grow
Although the Amsterdam office is new, Norrsken Evolve has already established a track record of investing in Dutch innovation.
Among its existing portfolio companies is New Dawn Bio, an Amsterdam biotechnology startup developing sustainable wood alternatives that can be produced without cutting down trees.
The venture capital firm also played a role in connecting New Dawn Bio with Capital T, another organization based at Norrsken House Amsterdam, which later led the company’s follow-on funding round.
Beyond the Netherlands, the fund has invested alongside other backers in Spiral Hydrogen, an Estonian-founded company developing green hydrogen infrastructure at the Port of Rotterdam.
Norrsken Evolve expects to complete another Dutch investment before the end of 2026.
Dedicated Capital Planned for Dutch Founders
The investment firm expects to allocate approximately five percent of its €62 million fund—roughly €3 million—to startups in the Netherlands.
Over the lifetime of the fund, that capital is expected to support between five and eight companies.
Initial investments are planned at up to €500,000 per startup, while additional funding has been reserved for portfolio companies that demonstrate the strongest growth and performance in later stages.
Backed by Institutional and Technology Investors
Norrsken Evolve attracted support from several prominent institutional investors, including the European Investment Fund (EIF), Saminvest and SmartCap.
The fund also received backing from experienced technology entrepreneurs through Skaala, the family office of Taavet Hinrikus and Sten Tamkivi, known for their roles in building TransferWise, now Wise, and their early work at Skype.
The firm noted that no Dutch limited partners participated in the fundraising process.
Part of a Broader Global Impact Investment Network
The Amsterdam expansion forms part of the wider Norrsken ecosystem, which manages close to $1 billion through five investment funds focused on impact-driven entrepreneurship.
Alongside its investment activities, the organization operates Norrsken Houses in Stockholm, Barcelona, Brussels, Kigali and now Amsterdam, creating collaborative spaces for founders, investors and innovation-focused organizations.
What Comes Next?
With its Amsterdam office set to open in September 2026, Norrsken Evolve plans to deepen its engagement with the Dutch startup ecosystem through new investments and closer collaboration with local founders.
The firm expects to expand its Dutch portfolio further before the end of the year while continuing to support early-stage companies developing solutions to major environmental, health and resilience challenges.
Summary
Norrsken Evolve has established its first permanent Dutch presence by opening a base at Norrsken House Amsterdam, scheduled to launch on September 1, 2026.
The €62 million pre-seed venture capital fund plans to invest around €3 million in Dutch startups over the life of the fund, building on existing investments in New Dawn Bio and Spiral Hydrogen while strengthening its position within the broader Norrsken impact investment ecosystem.
